Krishnavillasam - The Home Of Classics

ADDRESS: 11, 1st Floor, Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai

Phone : 044 28215568, 044 28215569

For having the experience of eating hyped veg food, this is the best place.  Located on the busy Haddows road, next to Sony showroom, this place is pretty prominent and very easy to find. Valet service is prompt and we had nil waiting time and that was good. Once you climb a flight of stairs, you enter into a small waiting area with a few chairs.Enter the Main room it is  complete white effect (white tables, chairs, walls) which is very pleasing to the eye. They have hung big frame pictures of Lord Krishna with his gopikas - adding more meaning to their tag line "Home of Classics" I think. The tables and chairs are comfortably placed, don't expect a whole lot of privacy here on a crowded day. Cutlery was square and rectangular white plates and with the silver, the set looked quite contemporary

Menu :Now comes the Menu card which is very impressive with beautiful and enticing pictures.But is a very very exhaustive one which runs into close to 25 odd pages.One would get really confused if you do not choose which cuisine.The menu lists the most loved South Indian foods like dosa, idli, puttu etc., in classic and signature avatars. Alongside are some North Indian dishes and  Chinese. Which I was hesitant in choosing

You can Get the Menu from Zomato : http://www.zomato.com/chennai/krishnavillasam-the-home-of-classics-nungambakkam/menu#tabtop

Food : 

1. Rs 225 for Krishnavilasam Sapadu was KICK ASS, given the current going rates of Thaalis. The taste is not excellent but it is good value for money

2. Ordered KrishnaVillasam Special Fried rice which is really good ,first time I saw fried frice mixed with tofu and so much vegetables

3.  Chilly panner is excellent and matched well with the Veg fried rice 

4.  Tomato soup was disappointing 

5.  Tom YAm Vegetable soup was very salty and it was pathetic 

6.   All the south Indian , North Indian  and basic chinese dishes are worth to have  ( Chinese dish need a mention to reduce the salt .)

7.   Dessert - the mango payasam was below average and fried icecream was superb

8.   Singapore noodles where normal noodles but the taste was good

Quantity : Main dish have a good quantity but the side dish I think for the cost it is less

Thumbs up for exploring the breakfast variety but what needs immediate attention is excess usage of oil and butter in a couple of dishes which could be avoided to improve upon perfection.The service was attentive and food was good. Would love to go back for the south tiffin items like the dosa,pongal,idly etc

Costs 600 for table of 2!

Overall 3.5/5
Service 4/5
Value for money 3/5
Food 3/5
Ambience 4/5

Chennai Suburban Railway---Commuters Gift

Chennai suburban railway is a commuter rail system in the Indian city of Chennai (Madras) operated by the Southern Railway. Chennai has a complex railway network. The system uses Electrical Multiple Units (EMU) operating on Alternating Current (AC) drawn from over-head cables through the catenary system.

The Suburban trains and MTC are the lifelines for travelling in chennai, The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast. The frequency of suburban trains is generally good and it is advisable to take a first class ticket during peak hours. Trains offer a reliable alternative to quickly reach your destination when compared to buses which might get trapped in traffic jams .

The train Timing, seasonal tickets and fares can be found in Fare and Timing .Seasonal tickets are available for daily travellers which can be purchased monthly or 3 months once which works out cheaper . The trains provide 2 classes : 1st class(First Class) and 2nd class(Second Class). 2nd class are crowded during peak hour and are very cheap compared to 1st class .1st class is generally not crowded but is costly for a days travel. The compartment difference is first class has cushion seats and compartments have slashes in the top with FIRST class written in bold and are less crowded ,this helps in distinguishing. Minimum fare is 6Rs. People traveling from airport can board in Trisulam and follows the South line given below .Tickets can be procured in respective station ,follow the chart below for the Trains. The fare in Chennai suburban trains is the lowest in the country and you don't have to compromise comfort for the meager amount that you pay as in other Indian metros.

Note: Remember to take ticket before you enter the stations. First class is expensive for 1 day ,travel Via seasonal passes in First Class works out economical . Please dont get in First Class compartment with second class ticket or pass.Fine is 300Rs for getting in to First class without appropriate ticket.



North Line [210 km]

Stations: Chennai Central MMC - Basin Bridge - Korukkupet - Tondiarpet - Tondiarpet Yard - Tiruvottiyur - Wimco Nagar - Kathivakkam - Ennore - Athipattu Pudhunagar - Athipattu - Nandiambakkam - Minjur - Anupambattu - Ponneri - Kavaraipettai - Gummidipoondi - Elavur - Arambakkam - Tada (AP) - Sullurpeta (AP) - Gudur(AP) - Nellore (AP) - Bitragunta (AP)

Suburban service terminates at Sullurpeta (AP).
The MEMU service terminates at Bitragunta (AP).
Few trains operate between Chennai Beach and Sullurpeta via Royapuram and Washermanpet.

South Line [163 km]

Stations: Chennai Beach - Chennai Fort - Chennai Park - Chennai Egmore - Chetpet - Nungambakkam - Kodambakkam - Mambalam - Saidapet - Guindy - St. Thomas Mount - Pazhavanthangal - Meenambakkam - Trisulam - Pallavaram - Chromepet - Tambaram Sanatorium - Tambaram - Perungalathur - Vandalur - Urapakkam - Guduvancheri - Potheri - Kattangulathur - Maraimalai Nagar Kamarajar - Singaperumal Koil - Paranur - Chengalpattu - Tirumani - Ottivakkam - Padalam - Karunguzhi - Madurantakam - Pakkam - Melmaruvathur - Acharapakkam - Tozhuppedu - Karasangal - Olakur - Panchalam - Tindivanam - Mailam - Perani - Vikravandi - Mundiyampakkam - Villupuram

Suburban service terminates at Chengalpattu.
A EMU service operates between Beach - Villupuram which goes along the suburban tracks till Chengalpattu and on the main line after that till Villupuram.

South West Line [122.71 km]

The Beach Chengalpattu section is parallel to but completely separate from the long-distance tracks of Indian Railways. The Trisulam station on this line is 100m from the Chennai International Airport terminal. This line first opened as an electrified suburban rail line in 1930.

Stations: Chennai Beach - Chennai Fort - Chennai Park - Chennai Egmore - Chetpet - Nungambakkam - Kodambakkam - Mambalam - Saidapet - Guindy - St. Thomas Mount - Pazhavanthangal - Meenambakkam - Trisulam - Pallavaram - Chromepet - Tambaram Sanatorium - Tambaram - Perungalathur - Vandalur - Urapakkam - Guduvancheri - Potheri - Kattangulathur - Maraimalai Nagar Kamarajar - Singaperumal Koil - Paranur - Chengalpattu - Villiambakkam - Palur - Palayasivaram - Walajabad - Nathapettai - Kanchipuram - Tirumalpur - Thakolam - Arakkonam

Suburban electric trains on this route, terminate at Tirumalpur station.
Tirumalpur - Arakkonam section being electrified.

West Line [213 km]

Chennai Central MMC - Basin Bridge - Vyasarpadi Jeeva - Perambur - Perambur Carriage Works - Perambur Loco Works - Villivakkam - Korattur - Pattaravakkam - Ambattur - Tirumullaivayil - Annanur - Avadi - Hindu College - Pattabiram -Thirunindravur - Veppampattu - Sevvapet Road - Putlur - Tiruvallur - Egattur - Kadambattur - Mosur - Puliyamangalam - Arakkonam - Sholinghur - Walajah Road - Tiruvalam - Sevur - Katpadi - Gudiyattam - Ambur - Vinnamangalam - Vaniyambadi - Kettandapatti - Jolarpet

Suburban service terminates at Arakkonam.
MEMU service operates between Arakkonam and Jolarpet.

West North Line [151 km]

Services first began on this line in 1985.
Stations: Chennai Central MMC - Basin Bridge - Vyasarpadi Jeeva - Perambur - Perambur Carriage Works - Perambur Loco Works - Villivakkam - Korattur - Pattaravakkam - Ambattur - Tirumullaivayil - Annanur - Avadi - Hindu College - Pattabiram -Thirunindravur - Veppampattu - Sevvapet Road - Putlur - Tiruvallur - Egattur - Kadambattur - Senjipanambakkam - Manavur - Thiruvalangadu - Mosur - Puliyamangalam - Arakkonam - Tiruttani - Nagari - Puttur - Renigunta - Tirupati
Suburban service terminate at Tiruttani.
MEMU service terminate at Tirupati (AP).
Few trains operate between Chennai Beach and Tiruttani. The section from Chennai Beach till Vyasarpadi covers a distance of 5.64 km via Royapuram and Washermanpet stations.

West South Line [290 km]

Main article: West South Line, Chennai Suburban
Chennai Beach - Royapuram - Washermanpet - Vyasarpadi Jeeva - Perambur - Perambur Carriage Works - Perambur Loco Works - Villivakkam - Korattur - Pattaravakkam - Ambattur - Tirumullaivayil - Annanur - Avadi - Hindu College - Pattabiram -Thirunindravur - Veppampattu - Sevvapet Road - Putlur - Tiruvallur - Egattur - Kadambattur - Senjipanambakkam - Manavur - Thiruvalangadu - Mosur - Puliyamangalam - Arakkonam - Katpadi - Vellore Cantt.

Suburban service terminates at Arakkonam.
MEMU service terminates at Vellore Cantonment station.
The section from Vellore Cantonment till Villupuram is under gauge conversion and being electrified.

New Lines

The following new lines have been proposed in the Second Master Plan by CMDA as a long-term Urban transportation Scheme[1]

Avadi — Sriperumbudur — Kanchipuram
Saidapet — Sriperumbudur — Kanchipuram (Partly Elevated)
Sriperumbudur — Oragadam — Chengalpattu
Kelambakkam — Vandalur
St.Thomas Mount — Porur

New Lines proposed in CTS(Comprehensive Transportation Study)

The following new lines have been proposed in the Comprehensive Transportation Study of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.[2] These lines will provide a circumferential travel network for the city.

Perungudi — Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram — Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu — Tiruvallur
Tiruvallur — Gummidipundi

Barbeque Nation --Barbeque food destination

Address:Shri Devi Park Hotel, No-1 Hanumantha Road, North Usman Road
Locality:T-nagar
Landmark:Joyakullas, Opp Somasundaram park
Type:Barbaques with buffet
Google map location:Barbeque Nation
Contact No:044-60600000, 64530160 , 9381512199
Open: 12.15 PM to 3.15 PM for lunch and 7.15 PM to 11.30 PM for dinner
website:Barbeque Nation
Cuisines:Barbecue, Indian, Chinese, Italian

Barbeque Nation is fusion food done to perfection! A brilliant marriage of east and west! Barbeque and casual dining!!!! vegetarian and non vegetarian!!

The time I entered Barbeque nation, it seemed to be just like any other restaurant from the outside but the difference was it had an open kitchen .The taste is amazing ,the best place in Chennai to have barbaque .

Located in T-nagar ,accessibility wasn't much of an Issue. Do make the reservations early. On each occasion, there was a long queue of patrons waiting patiently for tables.. Ambiance was cool - with low seats and mild lighting.Though both Veg and Non-veg are provided, the menu was very much in favor of the non vegetarians.



Eating out at Barbeque nation is all about Starters. It sells a unique dining concept- which are mainly barbeques , skewers of freshest prawns, fish, chicken, mushrooms, vegetables, paneer cubes, baby potatoes and more , which are cooked on the smoldering charcoal grill at your table. ( The grill itself is an ingenious creation- a small metal box lined with hot charcoal bits which is fitted into the small void in the table- no burners ).
In addition to that the waiters serve chunks of grilled meat,Mutton made of minced meat accompanied by hot roti and butter nan bread on your plate .
While you are grappling with the copious amount of food you are grilling and consuming, a band plays good live western music .

Another interesting arrangement is that, little flags were provided for each diner. When one wishes to say 'Stop', all that is to be done is to lower the flag.

Proceeded to the main course - but could not make much out of it as we were already done eating of kababs. The mini buffet comprising the staple briyani, tandooris, pasta, soups, salads, chicken curries, panner butter masala, yoghurt, dessert both western and Indian.

The choice of desserts too was great - not to forget those warm and extra tasty Hot Jamuns, ice cream,fruit salad and the Pastry s Definitely worth trying.

Do make the reservations early. On each occasion, there was a long queue of patrons waiting patiently for tables.

Additional Information

* Air conditioned
* Credit card accepted
* Buffet - Rs484 before 7:45Pm and Rs530 after 7:45pm
* Av. cost for two : Rs.1000

Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram -- Redefention of architecture

Locality:Mamallupuram (En route to pondicherry)
District: Kanchipuram
Type:Historical
Google map location: Mahabalipuram
Timings for visiting the shore Temple: 9 AM to 5.30 PM
Illumination Timings at shore temple:From sunset to 8 PM
Entry Fee
The fee is around Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners

History

Mahabalipuram (Tamil: மகாபலிபுரம்) also known as Mamallapuram (Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an average elevation of 12 metres (39 feet).

Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trip

On Friday evening we decided to visit mahabalipuram. Even if I was born in Chennai and traveled through ECR many times ..this is was my first visit to shore temple so I was anxious .We four started in 2 bikes from nungumbakkam at 6:30 am and took the scenic ECR ( East Coast Road ), stopping at little beaches along the way.
Tiger Cave


It took around 2 hours for us to reach the tiger wave .They charge 5 rupees for parking in Tiger cave .The name `Tiger's Cave' may conjure up awesome images of tigers living in caves, it is far from it. It gets its name from a cave set apart among the rocks with a crown of carved tiger heads around the temple.

With the maintenance of the cave the responsibility of the Archaeological Survey of India, the space has now been neatly developed with lawns dotted by palm, casuarinas and other trees. The small hillocks and rocks offer a natural excuse for children and adults alike to climb and run around.

An Archaeological Survey of India board at the entrance outlines that the ancient monument is protected and quotes the rules on its preservation from damage. A significant step in maintenance is the presence of a guard who instructs people to throw waste in the bin in his presence. The rock cut cave temple with a Shiva Linga and a Nandi is at a corner of the Tiger's Cave complex, which a few visitors remember to visit. The temple is situated below ground level and hence the top of the rock that forms the roof of the temple is accessible for climbing. Sitting over the roof of the cave temple is a photographer's delight with rocks dotting the foreground, trees in the middle and the Bay of Bengal in the background.

From the Tiger's Cave premises, the beach is also accessible. For those who take a car to get there, besides the Rs.45 paid to and fro at the East Coast Road toll gate and the Rs.10 as car park fee, there is no other payment to be made for entry into the Tiger's Cave.

Arjuns Penance


After traveling for 1 Km we reach the entrance of Mahabalipuram where they charge again 5 rupees for bikes ...then traveling for few kilometers we can visit the Arjuna's penance.Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high ,the figure in the bas-relief interprets as Arjuna is standing on one leg performing an austerity Tapas to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war.

Five Rathas

Then we visited the Five Rathas(Pancha Rathas).The five monolithic pyramidal structured shrines are named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi.Each shrine is not assembled from cut rock but carved from one single large piece of stone.After visiting Five Rathas. we decided to go for lunch ..so we had chosen Mamalla hotel...The hotel atmosphere seemed to be fine but the service is disgusting ..the hotel service was very irritating they took around 1 hour to serve our orders.The cost is very expensive ..My advice is to try some other hotel instead of this .

Shore Temple


The Shore Temple (700-728 CE) is so named because it over looks the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD.Legend has it that six other temples once stood with it (Seven Pagodas).The Shore Temples configuration of the two Shiva shrines with the small Vishnu shrine in between illustrates an attempt to balance the different, competing religious requirements.The shore temple is very beautiful and after 6pm shore temple is Illuminated to give a spectacular sight of the shore temple.

On the way back we went to DELHI ECR Dhabha.....We where able to see emu and carry rabbits .The food was good but the place as not so clean.By 10:00 pm we reached back home .